Towns

Bandon

Bandon or Droichead na Banndan in Irish (meaning the bridge of the Bandon River), is just 20 miles west of Cork city, in the heartland of some of the richest and most beautiful farmland in the country. This town is of huge historical importance, having been established under Queen Elisabeth I as a garrison town to protect the new English plantations. One of the town’s biggest assets is the Bandon River. Judges in the national Tidy Town’s competition once commented; “Bandon, more than any town in the region has an abundance of natural habitat. The majestic Bandon River is a haven for wildlife.” Stocking salmon, sea trout and brown trout, the river is hugely popular with anglers and the resident heron.

Bantry

The town of Bantry is situated in a small valley at the south-east head of Bantry Bay. A town, which was once traversed by waterways instead of streets, Bantry has in recent years undergone major transformation into a cosmopolitan centre for young and old — a place where the stresses of modern-day living can be forgotten and where the people are noted for their welcome and friendliness. Bantry, today, is a hive of activity with its brightly decorated houses and streets. The Town Square has been changed to a large promenade with seating, trees, flowers, an anchor and a centrepiece fountain. A mile of safe footpath with seafront wall, seating and viewing points extends from the town. Being located in the centre of West Cork it…

Castletownbere

Castletownbere boasts possibly the finest natural harbour in Ireland. Nestling between the Caha and Slieve Miskish Mountains the town is sheltered from the Atlantic Ocean by Bere Island. Castletownbere is the perfect base for tourists to explore the unspoilt beauty of the Beara Peninsula’s flora and fauna and the many antiquities it has to offer. There is plenty of accommodation to choose from including bed and breakfasts, hostels and self catering as well as fantastic pubs where you’ll find fine food and an even finer welcome. The market square in Castletownbere is a joy to behold. Traditional and spacious this market hits its peak on the first Thursday of each month with a selection of top quality food and bric-a-brac.

Clonakilty

Clonakilty is a multiple award-winning town on the coast within the heartland of West Cork. The town has an historical feel to it and its streetscapes are renowned for colourful and meticulously maintained shop and pub fronts, directional signs and street names. Extraordinary floral displays can be seen throughout the town right through the summer months. The surrounding area features some of Ireland’s most spectacular scenery and beaches, including the popular seaside resort of Inchydoney. Clonakilty District was awarded the title of European Destinations of Excellence — Best Emerging Rural Tourism Destination 2007, and in 2011 Clonakilty became the first town in Ireland to join a global go-slow movement that places quality…

Dunmanway

Dunmanway is a small but busy market town in the valley of the Bandon River, full of character and charm and with a diverse choice of things to see and do. It is just 45 minutes from both Killarney and Cork City, making it an ideal touring base. Dunmanway has a colourful history and a range of activities for visitors. The town is encompassed by spectacular scenery, with hills and lakes to the North, South and West and can lay claim to being “The Gateway to The Mountains”. As such it is ideal for hill walking, kayaking, fishing and horse-riding.

Kinsale

Take one spectacular location, season liberally with Norman, Spanish and English influence, add one major battle and let simmer for 400 years. The result… Ireland’s ‘Fine Food Capital’. But, the medieval town of Kinsale is not just about food, it’s about traditional bars, beautiful buildings, narrow streets, shops and galleries and lots of activities on sea and land.

Originally a medieval fishing port, historic Kinsale (from the Irish, Ceann tSaile — ‘Head of the Sea’) is one of the most picturesque, popular and historic towns on the south west coast of Ireland.

Skibbereen

Sleep & Eat Activities Shopping Skibbereen The market town of Skibbereen is an enterprising, vibrant and friendly town. Characterised by its many colourful, traditional buildings and shopfronts, the town has a strong local community spirit, which is showcased through the numerous well-known and popular festivals that take place on an annual basis. Such festivals include […]

Bandon

Bantry

Castletownbere

Clonakilty

Dunmanway

Kinsale

Skibbereen

Walking